Jennings Community School COVID-19 Response
TO:
Parents/Families/Friends of Jennings Community
FROM:
Bill Zimniewicz, Director Jennings Community School
RE:
COVID-19 Virus and JCS Strategies
DATE:
March 14, 2020
As you know, the coronavirus is present in Minnesota. To date, there are 14 confirmed cases. All of the confirmed cases are related to travel. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, individuals nineteen years old or younger are deemed to be the lowest risk. I want all to know that staff and board members of Jennings Community School will do everything to ensure the highest health, safety and communication practices.
I want to assure you that our school is keeping track of this situation through proven and trustworthy sources: the Minnesota Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These health officials believe the risk to our school community is low at this time.
Updated information from the CDC on coronavirus in the United States can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
The most recent information about coronavirus in Minnesota may be found at:
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
Much is being learned about this newly emerged virus. Based on the current information, health officials are recommending local communities and schools should take the same steps to protect against coronavirus as we take to prevent the spread of everyday illnesses like the common cold or the flu:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water
are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick. This is very important!
Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
We are in the prevention stage of managing for a potential outbreak of coronavirus and have standards and protocols already in place as it is influenza season. We are continuing to discuss and prepare in the event that a greater response is needed. The surface disinfectant cleaners used in our school buildings is effective against the family of viruses that includes coronavirus.
Be assured that we will follow any recommendations from MDE and/or MDH regarding the coronavirus or any other contagious condition. You would receive communication from us via the same channels we use when weather causes school or program closures -- email, text, phone, social media and websites.
While a new type of illness can be scary, we can protect our students, teachers, and the broader community by using simple everyday actions that protect people from other types of respiratory viruses. Our teachers, school nurses, and staff are working carefully to encourage these simple and effective habits of frequent handwashing, covering every cough or sneeze, and cleaning classroom tables/surfaces frequently. This is important not just to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, but to help prevent the spread of other infections that can lead to student illness and absences.
Finally, if the Governor should authorize the Commissioner of Education to close schools due to public health reasons, Jennings Community School will apply for approval to implement a distance learning program.
If you have any questions, please contact myself or other Jennings Community School staff members. Our school's number is 651-649-5403. My cell phone number is 612-695-6039.
We will have updates on our website and Facebook page as well.
Thank you for your support of our district, our schools, our students and our teachers and staff.